Can I get car insurance for a car that is modified or customized?

Can you get car insurance for a car that is modified or customized? For example, you may want to get more out of your vehicle and want to make some changes, mechanically or cosmetically, but are worried that insurance companies may not cover you.

Or, you might just be looking for the best car insurance companies that cover modified cars. We understand it can be confusing to find out what insurance policies you can find for your modified car, so we’ve researched it below.

How to Get Car Insurance for a Car That Is Modified or Customized

If you want to know what will happen to your insurance before you modify or customize your vehicle, you should talk with your current insurance provider.

You must give your insurance agent full details of the modification or customization so they can consider your coverage. You should also give them the name and purpose of each new part you intend to fit, together with its value. The agent may need to research before they get back to you with your new rates.

Before proceeding, ensure you have a written quotation from the insurance company. You should also check the wording of any new insurance documents to ensure they give you the correct type of coverage for your newly modified vehicle.

If your modified vehicle is one you rarely drive, you might benefit from usage-based car insurance.

How does a modified car impact car insurance rates?

Many aftermarket parts cost more than the components they replace. This means that the insurance company may need to pay out more in the event of an accident, so the rates are often higher.

In addition, if some of the parts you intend to fit will increase the vehicle’s performance, it may “bump” it into a higher insurance category, generating higher rates. If that’s the case, you can always learn how to lower your car insurance that help offset this cost.

You may need to talk to an agent first to modify or customize your vehicle with performance parts to ensure they will cover you. Some companies may decline if they feel such modifications represent too high a risk.

Why You Should Always Tell Your Insurance Company about Any Modifications or Customizations to Your Car

If you’re going ahead with your changes anyway, you need to know how to get car insurance for a modified or customized car. If you do not list any modifications on a policy, the insurance company could class this as “material misrepresentation.”

As a result, the company may refuse to pay out on any subsequent claim, and some jurisdictions consider this insurance fraud and may classify it as a felony.

What kind of changes count as modifications or customizations?

Some modifications or customizations may be more obvious than others. But as a rule, whenever you change one component for an aftermarket part, you should disclose this to the insurance company, whether it improves performance or is just a functional upgrade.

However, you should also talk with the company if you give your vehicle a custom paint job or add a roof rack to provide more luggage space. Underwriters at different insurance companies will look at these modifications differently, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Read more: Can I change my car insurance coverage at any time?

Case Studies: Car Insurance for Modified or Customized Cars

Case Study 1: Jack’s Performance Enhancements

Jack decided to modify his car with performance enhancements such as a turbocharger, aftermarket exhaust, and upgraded suspension. He reached out to his insurance company to inform them about the modifications and provide all the necessary details.

The insurance company adjusted his policy to include coverage for the modifications, resulting in slightly higher premiums due to the increased value and potential risk associated with the enhancements.

Case Study 2: Emma’s Custom Paint Job

Emma wanted to give her car a unique look and decided to get a custom paint job. Before proceeding with the customization, she contacted her insurance provider and informed them about the planned modification. The insurance company updated her policy to reflect the new paint job, ensuring that it would be covered in the event of any damage or loss.

Case Study 3: Mike’s Functional Upgrade

Mike needed additional luggage space for his car and decided to install a roof rack. He contacted his insurance company to inform them about the customization and ensure that it would be covered under his policy. The insurance company reviewed the details and adjusted his coverage accordingly, providing coverage for the roof rack.

How to Get Car Insurance for a Modified or Customized Car: The Bottom Line

Many people want to know how to get car insurance for a modified or customized car as they strive to increase vehicle performance, functionality, or aesthetics. Insurance companies will give you a new policy for such a car or adjust a current policy if you want to make modifications to the vehicle.

However, it’s best to talk with the company or shop around for new car insurance coverage before you make modifications or customizations. You need to provide full details, including the name of each part and its value, so the company can give you the most accurate quote.